Liverpool sits at 12th place in Premier League standings with a record of 3-7-4. In their last five Premier League games, they played to three draws, one win and a loss. Liverpool looks to bounce back after a 2-1 loss to Tottenham on Wednesday.

Southampton, on the other hand, have made a late-season run. They are 3-3-8 and sit only one point behind 17th-ranked Aston Villa. They are 2-2-1 in their last five EPL games. After winning two in a row, they tied Norwich City 1-1 on Wednesday as they get ready for Saturday’s matchup.

However, Southampton haven’t fared well on the road. They lost four in a row before defeating Queens Park Rangers 3-1. Liverpool are 2-2-1 in their last five home games with their most recent home game a 3-0 win against Wigan Athletic.

With only a few games left in the season, both teams need a win on Saturday to continue to make a run at the Champions League.

Liverpool managerBrendan Rodgers was upset at the foul calls against Tottenham.

Don’t Blame the Referees

After the loss to Tottenham, Reds manager Brendan Rodgers was upset at the called penalties, or lack thereof, on the Spurs.

According to Soccer Transfers, Rodgers said about referee Phil Dowd’s decisions, “Steven Gerrard was assaulted for the first one. It was frightening how the ref didn’t give it. And then he missed Luis Suarez getting kicked by William Gallas.”

However, it wasn’t the referee’s fault for the loss.

The Spurs scored two goals very early in the game. Aaron Lennon scored the first goal at the seven-minute mark. Gareth Bale increased the lead to two with a goal in the 16th minute.

The Reds were shut out until Bale scored an own goal in the 72nd minute.

While Liverpool were called for 14 fouls to Tottenham’s four, the Reds had more shots on target, 10 to seven.

Liverpool must win on Saturday in order to keep their season alive. They have 16 points, but only lead Southampton by four. It’s a tight race from 11th to 18th and every win helps at this point in the season.

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Southampton have not lost since November 5 in Premier League games.

Late-Season Surge

Southampton has turned their season around in the past few weeks.

The Saints have allowed a league-high 31 goals this season. However, in the last four games, the defense has only let up three goals with two wins and two draws.

According to Soccer Way, Southampton could regain left-back Danny Fox, who has been dealing with a knee injury. His return to Southampton should provide the Saints with more consistent play on the defensive side of the ball.

While the defense improves, the Saints have relied on Rickie Lambert, Gaston Ramirez and captain Adam Lallana, who have a total of nine goals.

Now it’s time for the defense to pick up the slack against Liverpool. Southampton are using their third goalkeeper this season Paulo Gazzaniga, who made a crucial mistake against Norwich leading to their loss.

In order for the Saints to continue their push out of relegation, they need to step up their defense while the offense continues their success.

Prediction

Liverpool will stop their little slide as they take a 1-0 lead in the first half. Their defense will hold up against Southampton. The Saints will be stifled in the second half as well. The Reds score a second, and final, goal. Liverpool win 2-0.